How to Reduce Mildew With Rice

How to Reduce Mildew With Rice
Written By
Mel Frank
Mel Frank
Published: Mar 10, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

When you are looking for a more affordable solution than an expensive piece of equipment, rice is a suitable alternative.

Things You Will Need

  • Rice
  • Plastic bags
  • Pan
  • Water
  • Stove
  • Large spoon

Using Uncooked Rice

  1. Pour rice into plastic sandwich bags, filling each bag 3/4 full with rice.

  2. Place the bags of rice in areas of the home that accumulate moisture. Leave each plastic bag open and placed out of reach of children and pets. The rice will absorb and trap excess moisture in the air, while using plastic bags will prevent the trapped moisture from leaking.

  3. Check on the bags every few weeks, replacing every one to two months or as needed when the rice is damp to the touch.

Using Cooked Rice

  1. Boil a pot of water, using four cups of water.

  2. Pour two cups of rice into the boiling water, and stir until the rice is slightly scorched.

  3. Allow the rice to cool.

  4. Put the pot of rice in the mildewed area, and let sit for at least four hours or overnight when possible.

  5. Discard the rice and repeat if necessary until all mildew smell has been removed.

The Drip Cap

  • Mildew is created by excess moisture that accumulates in an area, causing both bacteria and a musty odor that is difficult to remove.
  • The rice will absorb and trap excess moisture in the air, while using plastic bags will prevent the trapped moisture from leaking.
  • Put the pot of rice in the mildewed area, and let sit for at least four hours or overnight when possible.

Photo Credits

basmati rice image by Carpenter from Fotolia.com

basmati rice image by Carpenter from Fotolia.com

Mel Frank

Mel Frank is a professional freelance writer with over 15 years of writing experience. She has completed a wide variety of writing assignments for a number of publications that include CNN and various websites. Frank received a Bachelor of…

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